Viiviann Shirley

ViiviAnn Aarma Shirley lived a life of public service and leadership to her community and was a strong role model as mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was a mayor of Perry, IA, first filling a term vacated upon her husband, Alan Shirley's death in 2004 and re-elected twice before she retired from office. She was a champion of Hispanic residents who immigrated to Perry, helping with resources and adjustment to their new community. A lifelong Democrat, she was involved in local, state and national politics. When her husband successfully ran for the Iowa State Senate, she wrote his campaign ads and slogans. A Drake University graduate in education, she taught school for several years before receiving her Master of Science from Iowa State University in Marriage and Family Therapy. ViiviAnn was a therapist for 20 years with Southeast Youth and Family Services. Through an Iowa State University program, she traveled throughout the United States to train therapists and lay personnel to provide mental health services for vulnerable youth and families. Born in Tallinn, Estonia, on December 27, 1940, her father, mother and younger sister escaped the Russian communist takeover of Estonia, immigrating to Sweden in 1944, where she lived until 1955 when her family immigrated to the United States. One of her big secrets was being crowned homecoming queen in KuIm, ND, just a few years after arriving in the United States - a testament to her ability to create relationships. She will be missed by her family, friends, and Circle sisters for her laughter, love of gardening, good food and wine, impeccable taste, hunting morel mushrooms, and her ability to make those who knew her feel special. ViiviAnn was most grateful that her children and grandchildren are good and kind people. ViiviAnn is survived by her children, Elise Reiser and Jill Shirley, both of Waukee IA; grandchildren, Liisi Reiser, West Des Moines, IA; William Reiser, Waukee, IA; and their father Paul Reiser, Minneapolis, MN; her sisters, ViiveReet Slayback (Baker), Denver, CO; Piia Mai Aarma (Mike Curtis), Honolulu, HI; and Helle Marie Aarma, Towson, MD; nephew Scott Wetzbarger (Natalia), Santa Teresa, Costa Rica; and sister-in-law Brenda Turner (J.D.), Savannah, GA; nieces Elizabeth Howard (Kevin), Smithfield, KY; Meredith Anton (Bill), Portland, ME; and Kirsten Turner (Rick Ingram), Lexington, KY; honorary daughter-in-law Carolyn Flower and her daughter, Abby Reiser, Tacoma WA; and Beaux the dog, who would often be seen riding in the front seat next to Viivi. The family would like to extend special thanks to Lori, Skip, Marcia, and Angie at EveryStep Hospice; Briana and Darci at Integrity Home Health Services; and Dr. Steve Sohn for supporting us in fulfilling Mom's wish to die at home. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, July 1st, 2023, at LaPoste in Perry. Family will greet friends from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Memory sharing will begin at 10:30 am followed by refreshments. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dallas County Foundation, of which she was a founding member. Celebration Of Life Saturday, July 1, 2023 10:30 AM La Poste 1219 Warford St Perry, IA 50220 Celebration of Life Visitation Saturday, July 1, 2023 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM La Poste 1219 Warford St Perry, IA 50220